Mental health is a subject close to the heart of both Prince Harry and Oprah Winfrey.
So when we learned that the two were coming together for an exciting documentary series back in April, the expectations were high.
Now, the Duke of Sussex has finally been revealing more details of the exciting project in an interview with podcast host and journalist Bryony Gordon for The Daily Telegraph.
Harry revealed the series will unveil examples of “human spirit fighting back from the darkest places.”
The multi-part documentary is set to focus on both mental illness and wellness, with an aim to incite viewers to have “honest conversations” about their challenges.
(Image: Getty)Prince Harry had previously sat down with Gordon for her podcast back in 2017, where he opened up about his struggles to cope with the aftermath of the tragedy that impacted his childhood and his life.
He spoke candidly about his mental health and the trauma he suffered after his mother Princess Diana died 22 years ago.
Speaking with the reporter once again on Wednesday, the Duke said: “When I did your podcast two years ago the response made me realise what an impact sharing my story could have, and what an impact other stories can have for so many who are suffering silently.”
Oprah arrives at the Royal Wedding.
(Image: Getty)Inspired by the response to that 2017 chat, Prince Harry has high hopes that the feedback for the upcoming series with TV icon Oprah Winfrey, which is coming to Apple TV+ next year, will be just as positive.
“If the viewers can relate to the pain and perhaps the experience, then it could save lives, as we will focus on prevention and positive outcomes.”
Harry has also revealed that he and Oprah have had many meetings and “are assembling subject matter experts” to guide the series.
“The facts and science exist and we deserve to know it all,” he said.
Harry and Oprah will serve as co-creators and executive producers of the mental health series and will include Kahane Cooperman (former co-executive producer of The Daily Show with John Stewart) at the helm and will be produced and directed by Dawn Porter (director of Bobby Kennedy for President) and Asif Kapadia (the filmmaker behind biopics Senna and Amy).
Taking to the official Sussex Royal Instagram account back in April, the palace announced:
“The Duke of Sussex and Oprah Winfrey are partners, co-creators and executive producers on their forthcoming mental health series launching on Apple in 2020.
“The pair have been developing the series for several months and are looking forward to sharing such an important project on this global platform.”
The post was accompanied by a quote from the Prince himself, who said: “I truly believe that good mental health – mental fitness – is key to powerful leadership, productive communities and purpose-driven self.
“Our hope is that this series will be positive, enlightening and inclusive – sharing global stories of unparalleled human spirit fighting back from the darkest places, and the opportunity for us to understand ourselves and those around us better.”
He ended by saying he was “incredibly proud” to be working with Oprah on the series.
Oprah commented on the post shortly after it was posted, responding to Harry’s clear passion for the project.
“Delighted to be partnering with you. Hope we shed a lot of light. And change some lives!” she wrote.
WATCH: Oprah arrives at the Royal Wedding. Continues after video …
Oprah has long been known as a close friend of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, having attended their wedding back in May 2018, as well as striking up a friendship with Meghan’s mum Doria Ragland, who is based in LA.
Oprah has given some insight into the friendship herself – in an interview with Entertainment Tonight, she revealed that Doria had come to her house where they had discussed doing yoga together.
There’s also been talks of a new interview between the pair – something we’ve been keeping our our fingers crossed for!
But until then, we’ll have Oprah and Harry’s new series to look forward to.
The documentary series will launch on Apple in 2020.
